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The rush to repurpose the Minatoya properties has been moved from Jan 2026 to July 2028 or 2030. There are at least three things wrong with this.
Tasha Kama is concerned that this bill is moving too fast. She should be, but no amount of time will be enough if the bill does not evolve to provide sufficient relief from the housing crisis.
If we want to get some controls on tourism, why not solicit proposals that have been vetted by community planning experts, and make changes gradually in digestible bites?
We also need input from experts in applied economics to avoid risking economic collapse, or driving the county into bankruptcy.
If the county can do without revenues from the Minatoya listings, why can't those properties remain, and revenue from them dedicated for housing, both rents and home ownership right now, while working to form a cohesive long-term plan to contain tourism?
Enough businesses, livelihoods, and homes have been lost during covid and the fires. Let's not create another wave of economic hardship for the people of Maui. We can get a plan to house everyone, and maybe set the example for other communities that are facing a housing crisis.
Can't people vote on this issue as a ballot initiative with several proposals to choose from? We all have to live with the outcome, and should be allowed a vote.
Virginia Burns
Kula